Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
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Course overview
-
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
12 Months -
21 Sep 2026
Become a spatial planning expert with the ability to advise clients on the effective use of land. This accredited course will develop your understanding of local authority controls relating to many aspects of policy; including transportation, communities, the environment and the quality of the built environment.
As part of your course, you’ll:
- Study the rationale behind spatial planning, including considerations of effectiveness, diversity and difference, and community engagement
- Engage in creative and innovative intervention in spaces and places using appropriate techniques, knowledge and skills
- Reflect on your own work as you develop your self-awareness
- Explore the ethics of planning practice
Whether you’re involved in planning in the public, private or voluntary sectors, this is an opportunity to:
- Enhance your professional development
- Build on your existing education or qualifications
- Extend your knowledge of spatial planning
Professional networks
The School of Built Environment, Engineering & Computing is establishing networks across major clients, contractors and supply chains in the Yorkshire and Humberside region. Including links to the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), who accredit this award.
After graduating, you’ll be able to apply for full membership of the RTPI once you have completed two years of relevant planning experience and the Assessment of Professional Competence.
Industry links
Staff teaching on the course are research active, providing a rich learning environment and offering opportunities to access case studies, take part in site visits and to interact with local practitioners via regular conferences and seminars.
The Leeds Planning School
Founded in 1934, The Leeds Planning School is the only RTPI accredited Planning School in Leeds and the surrounding city-region.
Why study Town and Regional Planning at Leeds Beckett University...
- Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) accredited course
- Part-time study option
- Expert course team
- Assists with preparation for RTPI full membership
- Opportunity to network with industry professionals
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
Entry requirements
Applicants should either have at least a second class honours degree or have equivalent experience or training, normally from within the work environment.
All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; you can download our reference template for completion.
All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
What you'll learn
Gain a comprehensive overview of key housing and urban regeneration policy issues faced by practitioners and policy makers. On this module, you'll discover the intricate connections between social, economic and environmental issues in urban regeneration and housing policy development. You'll also explore the major agencies shaping regeneration, the role of housing, and locally led strategies for dealing with urban disparity.
Review the evolution of the spatial planning system in the UK and beyond. You'll study why planning is important, how it's changed over time, and explore the historical context of modern planning policies and practice. You'll also hone your skills in generating imaginative responses to key challenges presented by the spatial planning system, covering topics like sustainable development, spatial focus and community engagement.
Develop a critical awareness of the political, material, and organisational contexts that shape policy implementation and evaluation. This module focuses on policy development, programme management, resource generation, monitoring, and appraisal. You'll explore governance structures and examine the roles of key players involved in implementing policy. As the module progresses, you'll analyse the practices of policymakers and the influence of historical outcomes. By the end of the module, you'll be able to critically assess measures of appraisal, effectiveness, and programme management.
Develop a practical understanding of research methods and the core research skills needed for academic inquiry. This module prepares you to undertake an independent, extended research project – your dissertation. You'll explore how to formulate research questions and engage with methodological approaches, research ethics, and both quantitative and qualitative methods. Upon successful completion of the module, you'll be able to demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills through the development of a research proposal and a dissertation working paper.
Explore different approaches to planning development from across the globe. You'll develop an understanding of legislative frameworks and learn how to use these in decision making. This module investigates the role of development management within the English planning system. You'll also discover the different approaches and inputs that contribute to the decision-making process – from multi-disciplinary working to stakeholders – and learn how to collaborate effectively with them.
Explore environmental sustainability in the context of climate change and habitat and biodiversity loss. During this module, you'll learn practical strategies to enhance environmental protection in land use regulation, and how to plan for, mitigate and adapt to climate change in urban development. You'll be encouraged to critically reflect on theories of sustainability and environmental protection, emphasising the importance of access to nature and the countryside in urban and rural planning.
Engage with issues of inclusivity within planning and urban theory practice. Applying theory to practice, you'll dive into ways to make planning and other methods of addressing place-based issues more inclusive for everyone. You'll explore both historical and contemporary contexts to understand how these demands have been articulated, while evaluating practical approaches that address them. You'll also be encouraged to critically reflect on how practice does and doesn't meet these demands, and how it can be improved.
Undertake an in-depth individual analysis of a topic relevant to your degree programme. This module will enable you to perform a research investigation, leading to a critical evaluation of evidence, in an appropriate format. Through your dissertation, you'll be able to demonstrate a critical awareness of ethical research, confidentiality, and ethical practice.
Fees and funding
£10,400
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £10400. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£18,440
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £18440. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees and funding
£10,400
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £10400. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- Educational visits; the details and location will vary but the costs you'll need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£18,440
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £18440. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- Educational visits; the details and location will vary but the costs you'll need to pay could include travel, accommodation and subsistence.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Funding support for your studies
Discover more about our range of postgraduate funding options including a Master's Loan of up to £13,206, and our 20% alumni discount*
*Terms apply
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
As a disabled person, I wanted to be the voice of disabled people in shaping the inclusive built environment. My course taught me about the creation of sustainable communities, and creating inclusive places for people to live, spend time and find jobs.
Maxwell Muteliso
Accessibility & Disability Inclusion Independent Researcher
Career Prospects
You will be able to access a wide range of careers in the planning profession, both in the public and private sectors. Taught within our School of Built Environment & Engineering, you will benefit from our excellent contacts with practitioners in planning and construction. We have developed relationships with major clients, contractors and supply chains in the Yorkshire and Humberside region, and you will have the opportunity to meet prospective employers at seminars and conferences.
- Planning Consultant
- Real Estate Consultant
- Town Planner
Dr Max Hope
Course Director / School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing
Max Hope is Course Director of postgraduate courses in planning and housing at Leeds Beckett University. His research focuses on expert-lay knowledge exchange and co-production, particularly the role of natural science in risk management, climate change adaption and sustainable development.
School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing Careers Fair Our School holds a Careers Fair which is attended by over 25 major employers from the Civil Engineering, Construction, Architecture and Planning sectors giving you the opportunity to secure graduate roles, placements and part-time employment.
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping and parks – we’ve got it all. Voted no.1 student city in the UK* and the Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast**.
*StudentCrowd, Best Student Cities UK, 2024
**The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
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